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35
cent. of chicory respectively). As all 3 samples were sold as " mixtures,"
no proceedings were taken. Of 9 samples of whisky, 8 were genuine,
and one contained 3.4 per cent. of added water. Of 9 samples of brandy,
8 were genuine, and one contained 13.2 per cent. of added water. No
proceedings were taken in either of these cases, as notices of dilution
had been displayed at the places of sale of the spirits.
Water Supply.
From the reports of Dr. Houston, Director of Water Examinations,
Metropolitan Water Board, it appears that for the year ending 31st
October, 1908, on an average the number of samples of Chelsea filtered
water yielding negative results as regards typical Bacillus Coli (the
common intestinal micro-organism), was 96, when 100 c.c. of the water
are taken for bacterioscopic examination. In November, 1907, and in
February, March, April, and August, 1908, all the samples examined
proved negative as regards the presence of typical Bacillus Coli in 100
c.c. of the water. In January, 1908, 15 per cent. of the samples gave a
positive result as regards B. Coli, in May 4 per cent., in June 8 per cent.,
in July 4 per cent., in September 7 per cent., and in October 2 per cent.
The results, as regards the Chelsea water, are quite equal to those
given by any of the other filtered waters of the Thames, but are
suggestive of the excretal pollutions the Thames is liable to as a source
of supply of drinking water. In a water which is perfectly unpolluted
by sewage or excremental bacteria, typical Bacillus Coli should be
invariably absent from every 100 c.c of water examined.
Smoke Nuisance.
Large volumes of dense smoke continued to be emitted from the
four chimneys of the generating station in Lots Road, of the Underground
Electric Railways of London Company, Ltd., from the commencement
of the year 1908, until the first week in June. Subsequent
to that date the amount of smoke has most materially decreased, and
very little exception can now be taken to the smoke emitted from these
chimneys.
I am informed by the Resident Engineer to the Company that the
great improvement noted above may be attributed (1) to the new
revolving wire-mesh screen, inserted at a cost of £2,500, into the adit
conveying the water of the Thames to the condenser pumps, which
separates out the leaves and debris, which formerly so often occasioned
choking of the pumps and a consequent loss of vacuum; (2) to the
more thorough regulation of the draught to the furnaces through the
fire-doors, which has now been carried out on improved principles; and
(3) to the use of coal of suitable quality, owing to favourable prices to
the consumers being now current for such qualities of coal.
It would appear as if the Borough Council's proceedings in 1907
against the Company, which were a failure, and resulted in the payment
of 300 guineas costs to the defendants, were at any rate instrumental
in convincing the Company that there was room for improvement in the
conduct of their works, quâ smoke emission, and the results now obtained
appear to be for the present satisfactory.
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